Electronic device system utilizing a character input method

ABSTRACT

A character input method is implemented in a device with a plurality of keys. If a key is activated by a first operation matching a first input pattern, a first route is selected to traverse a plurality of characters corresponded by the key during presentation of the plurality of characters. If the first key is activated by a second operation matching a second input pattern, the plurality of characters corresponded by the first key are orderly retrieved and presented according to a second route in response to operations on the first key. The order for presenting two characters corresponded by the first key in the first route is reversed in the second route.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/432,734, entitled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE SYSTEM UTILIZING A CHARACTERINPUT METHOD”, filed on Apr. 29, 2009, published as US20090273566A1,which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from TaiwanPatent Application No. 097116277, filed May 2, 2008. The entirety ofeach of the above-mentioned patent applications is hereby incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to computer techniques, and moreparticularly to electronic device systems utilizing modified characterinput methods.

2. Description of Related Art

A cell phone is not very convenient for text input since it is typicallyequipped with a numeric keypad rather than an alphanumeric keyboard. Forexample, because 26 letters are mapped to 8 numeric keys means that onenumeric key would have to represent three to four letters.

In an existing input method, one keystroke on a key representing “A”,“B”, and “C” can be recognized as to present a character candidate “A”,two keystrokes to present “B”, and three keystroke to present “C”.Inputting character “C” is always more complex and difficult than “A”and liable to lead to mistakes. For example, inputting “C” requiresrepeatedly and rapidly pressing a specific key three times, during which“A”, “B”, and “C” are orderly presented. An additional key press causesthe desired “C” to be missed and leads to reiteration of “A”, “B”, and“C”, which is very troublesome and time consuming.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic device;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a keyboard;

FIG. 3A is flowchart showing one embodiment of an abc input method;

FIG. 3B is flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a characterinput method;

FIG. 3C is flowchart showing another embodiment of a character inputmethod;

FIG. 3D is flowchart showing another embodiment of a character inputmethod;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a default direction and a reverseddirection for presenting character candidates;

FIGS. 5A-5F are schematic diagrams showing character candidates and acursor in a text area;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing operation signals with referenceto a time line;

FIG. 7 is flowchart showing another embodiment of a character inputmethod which utilizes a menu to display characters;

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing a menu corresponding to a defaultsequence of character candidates “wxyz”;

FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of a text area in which a character “x”in the default sequence “wxyz” is displayed;

FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram of a text area into which a character “y”is entered;

FIG. 8D is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a menu inwhich character candidates are represented by assistant keys;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a keyboard;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an electronic devicesystem in which an electronic device with a input device and anelectronic device with a display transfer text to each other through acommunication channel;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the electronicdevice system in which an electronic device with a display receivescontrol signals for text input through a communication channel from anexternal source; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the electronicdevice system in which three electronic devices transfer control signalsfor text input and text presentation through a communication channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Description of exemplary embodiments of a character input method and anelectronic device utilizing the same is given in the followingparagraphs which are organized as:

-   1. System Overview-   2. Exemplary Embodiments of Character Input Methods

2.1 First Exemplary Embodiment of Character Input Method

2.2 Second Exemplary Embodiment of Character Input Method

2.3 Third Exemplary Embodiment of Character Input Method

-   3. Variation of Embodiments

3.1 Alternative Embodiments of Character Input Method

3.2 Alternative Embodiments of the Electronic Device

-   4. Conclusion    1. System Overview

The character input method can be implemented in various electronicdevices, such as cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs),set-top boxes (STB), televisions, or media players. An example of anelectronic device implementing the character input method is given inthe following.

With reference to FIG. 1, an electronic device 100 comprises a processor10, a main memory 20, a display 30, an input unit 40, and timers 50 and60. The processor 10 may comprise various integrated circuits (ICs) forprocessing data and machine-readable instructions. The processor 10 maybe packaged as a chip or comprise a plurality of interconnected chips.For example, the processor 10 may only comprise a central processingunit (CPU) or a combination of a CPU, a digital signal processor (DSP),and a chip of a communication controller, such as communication units inFIG. 10-12. The communication controller coordinates communication amongcomponents of the electronic device 100 or communication between theelectronic device 100 and external devices. Examples of suchcommunication controller, such as communication units in FIG. 10-12, aredetailed in the paragraphs of alternative embodiments. The main memory20 may comprise a random access memory (RAM), a nonvolatile memory, amass storage device (such as a hard disk drive), or a combinationthereof. The nonvolatile memory may comprise electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM) and flash memory. The display 30is configured for displaying text and image, and may comprise e-paper, adisplay made up of organic light emitting diode (OLED), or a liquidcrystal display (LCD). The display 30 may display various graphical userinterfaces including text area. The display 30 may comprise a singledisplay or a plurality of displays in different sizes.

The input unit 40 may comprise various input devices to input data orsignals to the electronic device 100, such as a touch panel, a touchscreen, a keyboard, or a microphone. The timers 50 and 60 keepingpredetermined time intervals may comprise circuits, machine-readableprograms, or a combination thereof. Each of the timers 50 and 60generates signals to notify expiration of the predetermined timeintervals. Components of the device 100 can be connected throughwire-lined or wireless communication channels.

A keyboard in FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of the input unit 40.The keyboard may be made of mechanical structures or comprise a virtualkeyboard shown on the display 30. The keyboard comprises keys 201-217.Keys 213 and 214 are function keys for triggering functions based onsoftware programs executed by the electronic device 100. A key 215 is anoff-hook key, and a key 216 is an on-hook key. A key 217 is configuredfor directing direction and movement of a cursor on the display 30.Digits, letters, and/or symbols corresponding to the keys 201-212 areshown on respective keys in FIG. 2, but are not intended to be limitedthereto. Digits, characters, and/or symbols corresponding to andrepresented by a key may be referred to as candidates of the key. Forexample, the key 201 corresponds to digit “1,” the key 202 correspondsto digit “2” and characters “a”, “b”, and “c”, and the key 203corresponds to digit “3” and characters “d”, “e”, and “f”. The key 210corresponds to digit “0” and a space character; the key 212 correspondsto symbol “#” and a function for switching input methods. Differentinput methods differ in the ways of candidate character selection. Asone of different input methods can be selectively activated, each keymay accordingly correspond to different sets of characters. For example,the key 212 of the electronic device 100 may activate so called abcinput method or T9® text input method developed by Tegic Communications,Inc. The electronic device 100 may be installed with a plurality ofcharacter input methods that are user-selectable.

2. Exemplary Embodiments of Character Input Methods

FIG. 3A shows a flowchart of one embodiment of the abc input method.First, the processor 10 initializes the abc input method (step S30) anddetermines if any key is activated (step S31). If at least a key isactivated, the processor 10 initiates a timer to keep an operationperiod of the activated key (step S32), and displays a first charactercandidate for the activated key (step S33). For example, if the key 208is activated at the step S31, the processor 10 displays the firstcharacter candidate “t” for the activated key 208 at the step S33. Inthe step S34, the processor 10 continues to detect any short press onthe same activated key (event A), expiration of the operation period(event B), any operation of another key (event C), or any long press onthe same activated key (event D).

Upon receiving a short press on the same activated key (event A), theprocessor 10 resets the timer to renew counting of the operation period(step S35), and displays a next character candidate of the activated key(step S36). For example, if the key 208 is activated by a short pressoperation at the step S34, the processor 10 displays a next charactercandidate “u” for the activated key 208 at the step S36. Timer resettingcan extend the operation period.

If the operation period expires (event B), the processor 10 enters acurrently displayed character candidate to a text area of the display 30of the electronic device 100 (step S39). Focusing may be applied to thecurrently displayed character candidate of the activated key currentlydisplayed on the text area as a result of character candidate traversal.In one embodiment, the focusing may include enlargement of the currentlydisplayed character, and/or displaying the currently displayed characterin a bold or italic font, for example.

Upon receiving an operation of another key, referred to as a key j,where j is a integer variable (event C), the processor 10 enters thecurrently displayed character candidate in a text area of the electronicdevice 100 (step S40), returns to the step S32 to initiate an operationperiod of the key j, and returns to the step S33 to display a firstcharacter candidate of the key j. The processor 10 accordingly performssteps S34-S40 following the step S33 for the key j.

Upon receiving a long press operation on the same activated key (eventD), the processor resets the timer (step S37) and displays a digitcorresponding to the activated key (step S38). For example, if a longpress operation is performed on the key 208 at the step S34, theprocessor 10 displays a digit “8” for the activated key 208 at the stepS38.

The electronic device 100 may be installed a plurality of characterinput methods and selects one of the input methods to execute. Anexemplary embodiment of character input method executable by theelectronic device 100 is shown in FIG. 3B. The embodiment of characterinput method activates different sequences of character candidates inresponse to different input operations on the same key without requiringswitching between input methods.

2.1 First Exemplary Embodiment of Character Input Method

With reference to FIG. 3B, the processor 10 initiates a character inputmethod (step S300) and determines if any operation is performed on a keyof the input unit 40 (step S301). If an operation is performed on a key,the processor 10 initiates the timer 50 to keep a time interval forcomparison with duration of the operation on the key (step S302), anddetermines if the operation conforms to a first input pattern or asecond input pattern (step S304). The first and second input patternsmay vary by electronic device design. For example, the processor 10 mayidentify different input operations by identifying a time interval tcounted by the timer 50. For example, the processor determines that eachkey operation with a duration thereof less than the time interval tconforms to the first input pattern, referred to as a short press, andeach key operation with a duration thereof greater than the timeinterval t conforms to the second input pattern, referred to as a longpress. Duration of a key operation is counted from a depression of a keyto releasing of the key. In other words, the processor determines that akey operation terminating before expiration of the timer 50 conforms tothe first input pattern, and a key operation terminating afterexpiration of the timer 50 conforms to the second input pattern. Thetime interval t or duration of key operations may be measured in clockcycles or seconds. The time interval t may be defined as 0.5 seconds,0.8 seconds, or 1 second, for example.

The key activated at step S300 is referred to as a key i, where i is apositive integer. In the example of FIG. 2, the range of i is 201≦i≦212.If the performed operation conforms to the first input pattern, theprocessor 10 activates a default sequence of character candidates forthe key i arranged in original order of the character candidates (stepS305). That is, the processor 10 utilized the default sequence of thecharacter candidates for the key i as a preset route for traversing thecharacter candidates in presentation of the candidates, and displays oneof the character candidates according to the preset route in response toeach operation on the key j. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the key202 corresponds to digit “2” and characters “a”, “b”, and “c”, adirected line 401 represents a route of traversing the charactercandidates of the key 202 in an original order, and a default sequenceof the character candidates of the key 202 is “abc”. The processor 10may display one of the character candidates “a”, “b”, and “c” accordingto the route represented by line 401 in response to each operation onthe key 202. The character candidate next to the “c” is “a”, and thedefault sequence is iterated in presentation of the charactercandidates.

If the performed operation conforms to the second input pattern, theprocessor 10 activates a reversed sequence of character candidates forthe key i arranged in a reversed order of the character candidates (stepS325). That is, the processor 10 utilizes the reversed sequence of thecharacter candidates for the key i as a preset route for traversing thecharacter candidates in presentation of the candidates, and displays oneof the character candidates according to the preset route in response toeach operation on the key j. With reference to FIG. 4, a directed line402 represents a route of traversing the character candidates of the key202 in a reversed order, and a reversed sequence of the charactercandidates of the key 202 is “cba”. The processor 10 displays one of thecharacter candidates “c”, “b”, and “a” according to the routerepresented by line 402 in response to each operation on the key 202.The character candidate next to the “a” is “c”, and the reversedsequence is iterated in presentation of the character candidates.

Similarly, the default and reversed sequences of the key 203 arerespectively “def” and “fed”; the default and reversed sequences of thekey 204 are respectively “ghi” and “ihg”; . . . and the default andreversed sequences of the key 209 are respectively “wxyz” and “zyxw”. Ifthe default sequence of the key 202 is “abc2” in which a digit “2”follows letter “c”, the reversed sequence of the key 202 be obtained as“2cba” by reversing the default sequence, or defined by users as “cba”according to user configuration identified by the processor 10.Character candidates of each key may be stored in an appropriate datastructure, such as a linked list or an array, for implementing thedefault and reversed character traversal and presentation. The addressesof the first and last characters may be stored in registers or the mainmemory 20 of the electronic device 100.

After activating the default sequence of character candidates, theprocessor 10 displays the first character candidate in the defaultsequence (step S306). For example, if the key i comprises the key 209,the processor 10 displays the first character “w” in the defaultsequence “wxyz” corresponding to the key 209. FIG. 5A shows a charactercandidate “w” indicated by a cursor 501 in a text area 500. Theprocessor 10 initiates the timer 60 to count an operation period of thekey i (step S309) and detects occurrence of any subsequent operation onthe same key i (event A), expiration of the timer 60 (event B), or anyoperation on another key (event C) (step S310). Said another keyreceiving an operation in the step S310 is referred to as a key j, wherej is a positive integer, 201≦j≦212, and where and j≠i.

In the step S310, upon receiving a subsequent operation on the same keyi (event A), the processor 10 resets the timer 60 (step S312) anddisplays a next character candidate in the default sequence insubstitution for the currently displayed character (step S314). Forexample, in a case that the key i comprises the key 209, the processor10 displays a next character candidate “x” in the default sequence“wxyz” as shown in FIG. 5B. The step S310 is repeated. Similarly, uponreceiving another subsequent operation on the same key 209, theprocessor 10 resets the timer 60 and displays a next character candidate“y” in the default sequence “wxyz”. The character candidate next to “z”in the default sequence is “w”.

In the step S310, if the timer 60 expires (event B), the processor 10enters a currently displayed character candidate of the key i to a textarea, and moves the cursor to a next position in the text area (stepS316). The step S301 is repeated. For example, if “x” is the currentlydisplayed character candidate when the timer 60 expires, as shown inFIG. 5C, the processor 10 enters “x” to the text area 500 and moves thecursor 501 to a next position in the text area 500.

In the step S310, upon receiving an operation on another key j (eventC), the processor 10 enters a currently displayed character candidate ofthe key i to the text area, moves the cursor to a next position in thetext area (step S318), and resets the timer 60 for the key j (stepS302). The processor 10 repeats steps S305-S310, S312, S314, S316, S318,S325-S328, S332, S334, S336, and S338 following the step S302, thus topresent character candidates in a default or reversed sequence for thekey j in response to operations on the key k.

Description is now returned to a reversed sequence. In the step S325, ifduration of the performed operation on the key i exceeds time intervalt, the performed operation conforms to the second input pattern, and theprocessor 10 activates a reversed sequence of character candidates forthe key i (step S325) and displays the first character candidate in thereversed sequence (step S326). For example, in a case that the key icomprises the key 209, the processor 10 displays the first charactercandidate “z” in the reversed sequence “zyxw”, as shown in FIG. 5D, inwhich “z” is indicated by the cursor 501. When the performed operationon the key i is terminated (step S327), the processor 10 initiates thetimer 60 to count an operation period of the key i (step S328). Theprocessor 10 detects occurrence of any subsequent operation on the samekey i (event A), expiration of the timer 60 (event B), or any operationon another key (event C) (step S330). Said another key receives anoperation in the step S330, is referred to as a key j.

In the step S330, upon receiving a subsequent operation on the same keyi (event A), the processor 10 resets the timer 60 (step S332) anddisplays a next character candidate in the reversed sequence insubstitution for the currently displayed character (step S334). Forexample, in a case that the key i comprises the key 209, the processor10 displays a next character candidate “y” in the reversed sequence“zyxw” as shown in FIG. 5E. The step S330 is repeated. Similarly, uponreceiving another subsequent operation on the same key 209, theprocessor 10 resets the timer 60 and displays a next character candidate“x” in the reversed sequence “zyxw”. The character candidate next to “w”in the reversed sequence is “z”.

In the step S330, if the timer 60 expires (event B), the processor 10enters a currently displayed character candidate of the key i to a textarea, and moves the cursor to a next position in the text area (stepS336). The step S301 is repeated. For example, if “y” is the currentlydisplayed character candidate when the timer 60 expires, as shown inFIG. 5F, the processor 10 enters “y” to the text area 500 and moves thecursor 501 to a next position in the text area 500.

In the step S330, upon receiving an operation on another key j (eventC), the processor 10 enters a currently displayed character candidate ofthe key i to the text area, moves the cursor to a next position in thetext area (step S338), and resets the timer 60 for the key j (stepS302). The processor 10 repeats steps S305-S310, S312, S314, S316, S318,S325-S328, S332, S334, S336, and S338 following the step S302 for thekey j.

Note that the arrangement of steps in the input method may be changed inalternative embodiments of the input method. For example, the step S309can be performed before the step S305 or S306. Before an operationperiod of a key expires, a long press on the key can change the routefor traversing character candidates during the operation period. Anotherexemplary embodiment of the input method is given with reference to FIG.3C.

2.2 Second Exemplary Embodiment of Character Input Method

With reference to FIG. 3C, the difference between FIG. 3C and FIG. 3Brelies on steps S310 a and S330 a. In the step S310 a, the processor 10detects occurrence of any subsequent short press on the same key i(event A), expiration of operation period of the key i (event B), or anyoperation on another key j (event C), or any long press on the key i(event D). Upon receiving a short press on the same key i (event A), theprocessor 10 executes the steps S312 and S314. Upon receiving a longpress on the same key i (event D), the processor 10 executes the stepsS332 and S334. Specifically, in the step S334, the processor 10 selectsthe reversed sequence as the preset route and displays a charactercandidate in the reversed sequence next to the currently displayedcharacter candidate, thus to present one character candidate in thereversed sequence of the key i in response to each operation of the keyi before the operation period of the key i expires. For example, in acase that the default sequence of the key 209 is initially activated asthe preset route, in response to a long press in the step S310a whencharacter “y” is currently displayed, the processor 1 displays charactercandidate “x” of the key 209 in step S334, which is the charactercandidate next to “y” in the reversed sequence of the key 209, or thecharacter candidate previous to “y” in the default sequence of the key209.

In the step S330a, the processor 10 detects occurrence of any subsequentshort press on the same key i (event A), expiration of operation periodof the key i (event B), or any operation on another key j (event C), orany long press on the key i (event D). Upon receiving a short press onthe same key i (event A), the processor 10 executes the steps S332 andS334. Upon receiving a long press on the same key i (event D), theprocessor 10 executes the steps S312 and S314. Specifically, in the stepS314, the processor 10 selects the default sequence as the preset routeand displays a character candidate in the default sequence next to thecurrently displayed character candidate, thus to present one charactercandidate in the default sequence of the key i in response to eachoperation of the key i before the operation period of the key i expires.For example, in a case that the reversed sequence of the key 209 isinitially activated as the preset route, in response to a long press inthe step S330 a when character “y” is currently displayed, the processor1 displays character candidate “z” of the key 209 in step S314, which isthe character candidate next to “y” in the default sequence of the key209, or the character candidate previous to “y” in the reversed sequenceof the key 209.

The exemplary embodiment of the character input method shown in FIG. 3Ccan repeatedly change the preset route for traversing charactercandidates of the key i in response to long presses on the key i beforeexpiration of operation period of the key i. Thus, long press operationswithin an operation period of a key provide the function of returning toa character candidate previous to a currently displayed charactercandidate in character presentation. It may be understood that a longpress operation within an operation period of a key may return thecharacter presentation to a character candidate previous to a currentlydisplayed character candidate without changing settings of the presetroute. Additionally, alternative exemplary embodiments of input methodsmay utilize other schemes to realize presentation of charactercandidates in a reversed direction.

2.3 Third Exemplary Embodiment of Character Input Method

With reference to FIG. 3D, difference between FIG. 3D and FIG. 3B isdetailed in the following.

In the step S325, if the press operation on the key i continues afterthe reversed sequence is activated as the preset route, the processor 10displays the first character candidate in the reversed sequence (stepS326), and begins to count an operation period t0 (step S329). The timer50 or another timer may count the operation period t0. The processor 10detects expiration of the operation period t0 (event E) or terminationof the press operation (event F) (step S333). If the press operation onthe key i continues after the operation period t0 expires (event E), theprocessor 10 displays a next character candidate in the reversedsequence of the key i (step S334). Subsequently, the processor 10restarts the counting of operation period t0 (step S329) and repeats thestep S333. If the press operation terminates (event F), the processor 10executes the step S309. In the step S316 when the timer 60 expires, theprocessor 10 enters a currently displayed character candidate.

In the step S310 a, the processor 10 detects occurrence of anysubsequent short press on the same key i (event A), expiration ofoperation period of the key i (event B), any operation on another key j(event C), or any long press on the key i (event D). Upon receiving ashort press on the same key i (event A), the processor 10 executes thesteps S312 and S314. Upon receiving a long press on the same key i(event D), the processor 10 executes the step S334. Specifically, in thestep S334, the processor 10 displays a character candidate in thereversed sequence next to the currently displayed character candidate,and may repeat the steps S329, S333, and S334, thus to subsequentlypresent character candidates in the reversed sequence of the key i inresponse to the long press operation of the key j.

For example, the default and reversed sequences for the key 209 arerespectively “wxyz” and “zyxw”. In the traditional abc input method,entering “z” in an electronic device requires four press operations onthe key 209, and entering “y” to an electronic device requires threepress operations on the key 209. The first or second embodiment of thepresent character input method requires only one press operation on thekey 209 to enter “z” to the electronic device 100, and two pressoperations on the key 209 to enter “y”. Thus, the exemplary embodimentsof the character input method substantially reduce the number ofoperations and time required to input a character, and reduce thepossibility of missing desired a character during character candidatepresentation.

3. Variation of Embodiments

As appreciated, the time interval t is utilized to identify the firstand second input patterns. More time intervals may be utilized toidentify more input patterns. For example, a press operation on a keywith duration less than a time interval t1 is identified as conformingto a first input pattern; a press operation on a key with a durationgreater than the time interval t1 but less than a time interval t2 isidentified as conforming to a second input pattern; and a pressoperation on a key with duration greater than the time interval t2 isidentified as conforming to a third input pattern.

FIG. 6 shows a time line and signals generated from the key i duringoperation of the key. A high level in each signal waveform in FIG. 6reflects a pressed state of the key i while a low level reflects areleased state of the key i. Operation on the key i may generatedifferent signal waveforms, not limited to FIG. 6. The signal of a firstoperation shows that the key is pressed at time T0 and released at timeT1. If (T1-T0)<t1, the processor 10 determines that the first operationconforms to the first input pattern. If t1≦(T2-T0)<t2, the processor 10determines that the second operation conforms to the second inputpattern. If t2≦(T3-T0), the processor 10 determines that the thirdoperation conforms to the third input pattern. The processor 10 mayactivate the reversed sequence for the key i in response to an operationconforming to the second input pattern and display a digit correspondingto the key i in response to an operation conforming to the third inputpattern.

3.1 Alternative Embodiments of Character Input Method

The processor 10 may display character candidates in a menu on thedisplay 30 to assist character input. Keys in the input unit 40 areclassified as text keys and assistant keys. For example, the keys201-212 are classified as text keys, and keys 213-217 are classified asassistant keys. The key 217 is a direction key and configured fortriggering movement of a cursor to the upward, right, downward, and leftwhen activated by a press at positions 218 a, 219 a, 220 a, and 221 a,respectively. The key 217 may be replaced by a five direction controlmeans in another embodiment. Description of an alternative embodiment ofan input method is given with reference to a keyboard in FIG. 9.

With reference to FIG. 7, the processor 10 initiates a character inputmethod (step S700) and determines if a text key (referred to as the keyi) in the input unit 40 is activated by an operation (step S701). Upondetecting that an operation activates a text key i, the processor 10initiates the timer 50 to count an operation period of the key i (stepS702) and activate one of the default and reversed sequence of the key ias the preset route based on whether the operation conforms to the firstinput pattern or the second input pattern (step S705). After the one ofthe default and reversed sequence is activated, the processor 10displays a menu on the display 30 and the first character candidate inthe activated sequence (step S706) and initiates the timer 60 to countan operation period of the key i (step S709).

In an example that the key i is the key 209, a menu 800 corresponding toan activated default sequence of the key 209 is shown in 8A. Charactercandidates are arranged clockwise in the menu 800. Character candidatesof a key, however, are not limited to FIG. 8A, and can be arrangedcounterclockwise or in any other arrangement. When the first charactercandidate “w” of the key 209 is shown in the text area 500, a cursor 801indicates that “w” is a currently displayed character in the menu 800.The assistant keys 218, 219, 220, and 221 respectively correspond tocharacter candidates “w”, “x”, “y”, and “z”.

The processor 10 detects occurrence of any subsequent short press on thesame key i (event A), expiration of operation period of the key isignified by the timer 60 (event B), or any operation on another textkey j (event C), or any long press on the key i (event D), or anyoperation on an assistant key k (event G), where k is an positiveinteger. In the example of FIG. 9, the range of k is 213≦k≦221.

In the step S710, upon receiving a short press on the same key i (eventA), the processor 10 resets the timer 60 (step S712) and displays a nextcharacter candidate in the sequence (step S714). For example, in a casethat the key i comprises the key 209, following FIG. 8A, the processor10 displays a next character candidate “x” in the default sequence“wxyz” as shown in FIG. 8B. The cursor 801 in the menu 800 also movesclockwise to the position of “x” to indicate the currently displayedcharacter. The step S710 is repeated. Similarly, upon receiving a shortpress on the same key 209 (event A), the processor 10 resets the timer60, and displays a next character candidate “y” in the default sequence“wxyz”. The cursor 801 in the menu 800 also moves clockwise to theposition of “y” to indicate the currently displayed character.

In the step S710, if the timer 60 expires (event B), the processor 10enters a currently displayed character candidate of the key i to a textarea, and moves the cursor to a next position in the text area (stepS716). The step S701 is repeated. For example, if “y” is the currentlydisplayed character candidate when the timer 60 expires, as shown inFIG. 8C, the processor 10 enters “y” to the text area 500, moves thecursor 501 to a next position in the text area 500, and terminatespresentation of the menu 800.

In the step S710, upon receiving an operation on another text key j(event C), the processor 10 enters a currently displayed charactercandidate of the key i to the text area, moves the cursor to a nextposition in the text area (step S718), and resets the timer 50 for thekey j (step S702). The processor 10 repeats steps S705, S706, S709,S710, S712, S714, S716, S718, S720, and S722 following the step S702 forthe key j.

In the step S710, upon receiving a long press on the same key i (eventD), the processor 10 activate a sequence reverse to the activatedsequence before the step S720. For example, if the reversed sequence ofthe key i is utilized as the preset route in the step S710, theprocessor 10 activates the default sequence of the key i as the presetroute. On the other hand, if the default sequence of the key i isutilized as the preset route in the step S710, the processor 10activates the reversed sequence of the key i as the preset route.Subsequently, in the step S714, the processor 10 displays a nextcharacter candidate in the activated sequence. In the example of FIG. 8Awhen the default sequence of the key 209 is activated as the presetroute, upon receiving a long press on the same key 209 (event D), theprocessor 10 displays a character “z” previous to “w” in the defaultsequence “wxyz”, i.e. the character candidate next to “w” in thereversed sequence, and moves the cursor 801 clockwise to the position of“z” to indicate the currently displayed character. The step S710 isrepeated. Similarly, upon receiving a subsequent long press on the samekey 209 (event D), the processor 10 resets the timer 60, displays acharacter “y” next to “z” in the reversed sequence, and moves the cursor801 clockwise to the position of “y” to indicate the currently displayedcharacter. FIGS. 3C and 3D shows that a long press can change the presetroute of character candidates. Route for traversing charactercandidates, however, can be controlled by various input devices, such asa dialer, a wheel, a rotatable knob, or a touch panel. The processor 10may perform clockwise or counterclockwise movement of the cursor 801 andthe currently displayed character in response to clockwise orcounterclockwise tracks detected by the touch panel. The display 30 canbe equipped with a touch panel to form a touch screen. The keyboard inFIG. 9 can be a virtual keyboard displayed on the display 30.

In the step S710, upon receiving an operation on an assistant key k(event G), the processor 10 enter a character candidate corresponding tothe key k to a text area, moves a cursor to a next position in the textarea (step S722), and repeats steps S701, S702, S705, S706, S709, S710,S712, S714, S716, S718, S720, and S722 following the step S700.Following the example of FIG. 8A, in FIG. 8C, the processor 10 enterscharacter “y” to the text area 500 in response to an operation on thekey 220 disregarding the currently displayed. In the example of FIG. 8A,entering of character “y” to a text area requires two operations nomatter in the default sequence or reversed sequence before expiration ofthe timer 60. With the aid of assistant keys, only one operation isrequired to enter the character “y” to a text area. Similarly, theprocessor enters character “w”, “x”, or “z” to the text area 500 inresponse to an operation on the key 218, 219, or 221. Charactercandidates of the key 209 can be input to electronic device 100 throughthe five schemes corresponding to events A, B, C, D, and G duringexecution of one input method with no confliction exist between theseschemes.

The menu 800 can include more candidates for a key, such as uppercaseand lowercase letters, and auto-completed words. In addition to thedirection key 217, voice commands or other keys can be utilized torepresent character candidates in the menu 800. As shown in FIG. 8D,when the key 202 receives an operation, assistant keys 213, 214, 215,216, 218, 219, 220, and 221 respectively represent “A”, “tea”, “B”, “C”,“a”, “2”, “c”, and “b”. The “tea” is an auto-completed word, which isdetermined by the processor 10 from input characters in front of thecursor 501 in the text area 500 and character candidates in the menu800. For example, characters in front of the cursor 501 comprise “t” and“d”. Character candidates of the key 208 associated with the character“t” are “t”, “u”, and “v”. Character candidates of the key 203associated with the character “d” are “d”, “e”, and “f”. The processor10 selects the first letter in the auto-completed word from “t”, “u”, or“v”, the second letter in the auto-completed word from “d”, “e”, and“f”, and the last letter in the auto-completed word from the menu 800.The processor 10 may select an auto-completed word according to thosewords, which are most frequently input by users of the electronic device100, or based on a dictionary database in the electronic device 100. Theauto-completed word in the menu 800 may be generated according to T9®input method.

3.2 Alternative Embodiments of the Electronic Device

The exemplary embodiments of the character input method can be executedin various systems, such as electronic device systems shown in FIG.10-12.

In FIG. 10, a processor 11 of an electronic device 101 executes thecharacter candidates input method, and a communication unit 17 transmitstext to a communication unit 27 through communication channel 104. Aprocessor 21 displays the text received by the communication unit 27 ona display 32 and enters the text into a text area of an electronicdevice 102. The communication channel 14 in FIG. 10 may transfer textmessage and control signals between the electronic devices 101 and 102.

In FIG. 11, a communication unit 17 of an electronic device 201transmits input signals generated by an input unit 41 to communicationunit 27 through communication channel 204. A processor 21 in theelectronic device 202 displays character candidates on a display 32 andenters the character candidates to a text area under the direction ofthe character input method based on input signals received by thecommunication unit 27. The electronic device 202 may display the text onan external display.

In FIG. 12, a communication unit 17 of an electronic device 301transmits input signals generated by an input unit 41 to communicationunit 27 through communication channel 304. A processor 21 in theelectronic device 202 performs the character input method based on inputsignals received by the communication unit 27 and transmits generatedcharacters to a communication unit 28. The communication unit 28transmits the characters to a communication unit 37 through acommunication channel 305. An electronic device 303 characters the textreceived by the communication unit 37 on a display 33.

The communication channels 104, 204, 304, and 305 may be wire-lined orwireless channels. Each of the electronic devices 101, 201, and 301 maybe a remote control or portable device, such as a PDA, an ultra mobiledevice (UMD), a laptop computer, or a cell phone. Each of the electronicdevices 102, 202, and 303 may comprise a television or a media player,such as a disc player. The electronic device 302 may comprise a set-topbox. The main memory 2 and 22 in FIGS. 10-12 may store computer-readableprogram for implementing the character input method.

4. Conclusion

The described embodiments of the character input method can be utilizedto input characters of various languages, such as Hiragana and Katakanaof Japanese, or phonetic symbols of Chinese. Other means such ashighlighted color or size, rather than a cursor as described, can beutilized to indicate a currently display character candidate.

In conclusion, the character input method activates default or reversedsequence of character candidates in response to different operations onthe same key and utilizes a menu to assist character input. Thecharacter input method reduces the number of operations and timerequired for character input, and thus eliminates the possibility ofmis-operation. The character input method is adoptable with and notconflicting with the traditional abc input method. Execution of thecharacter input method does not restrict device user to learn new inputschemes but provides to device user options of character input with lesskeystrokes.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerouscharacteristics and advantages of the present invention have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrativeonly, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape,size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention tothe full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms inwhich the appended claims are expressed.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: a touchsensitive device operable to detect one or more touch operations basedon one or more keys of a virtual keyboard displayable by a displayfunction of the electronic device; and a processor electronicallyconnected to the touch sensitive device and operable to presentcharacter information on a display, and operable to detect operation ofa key of the touch sensitive device according to a character inputmethod, the character input method comprising: displaying the virtualkeyboard comprising a plurality of keys through the display function,wherein each key of the plurality of keys is operable as a toggle key,two different keys in the plurality of keys are respectively associatedwith different sequences of character candidates, and a sequence ofcharacter candidates comprises optional characters arranged in aspecific arrangement for character input to a text area; receiving afirst operation on a first key among the plurality of keys of thevirtual keyboard; displaying by the electronic device a first graphicaluser interface component operable to present a sequence of charactercandidates associated with the first key, wherein the presented sequenceof character candidates is arranged in a first arrangement in the firstgraphical user interface component along a specific direction;presenting a first character in the presented sequence of charactercandidates associated with the first key as a currently selectedcharacter in response to a first instance of a short press operation onthe first key in a condition that the first operation comprises theshort press operation conforming to a first input pattern; presenting afirst subsequent character in the presented sequence of charactercandidates associated with the first key as the currently selectedcharacter in response to a second instance of the short press operationon the first key conforming to the first input pattern after the firstinstance of the short press operation; and displaying a second graphicaluser interface component operable to present the sequence of charactercandidates associated with the first key in response to a secondoperation conforming to a second input pattern, wherein the presentedsequence of character candidates is arranged in a second arrangement inthe second graphical user interface component along the specificdirection, at least two characters in the sequence of charactercandidates associated with the first key in the first arrangement arereversed in the second arrangement, and the currently selected characteris operable to be input to the text area of the electronic device. 2.The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the character inputmethod further comprises: presenting a second subsequent character inthe presented sequence of character candidates associated with the firstkey in the second graphical user interface component as the currentlyselected character according to an arrangement of character traversalfor traversing characters in the sequence of character candidatesassociated with the first key in response to a third operation based onthe first key, wherein the arrangement of character traversal isdifferent from the first arrangement.
 3. The electronic device asclaimed in claim 2, wherein the character input method furthercomprises: displaying a plurality of assistant keys, wherein eachassistant key of the plurality of assistant keys is associated with acharacter candidate in the sequence of character candidates associatedwith the first key in the second graphical user interface component; andentering a character candidate associated with a first assistant key tothe text area of the electronic device in a condition that the thirdoperation comprises a press on the first assistant key.
 4. Theelectronic device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the character inputmethod further comprises: presenting the second subsequent character inthe presented sequence of character candidates associated with the firstkey in the second graphical user interface component as the currentlyselected character in response to a touch track based on the first keyin a condition that the third operation comprises the touch track basedon the first key detectable by the touch sensitive device of theelectronic device, and the touch track comprises a first touch track ora second touch track.
 5. The electronic device as claimed in claim 4,wherein the first operation initiates an operation period of the firstkey, the first touch track comprises a touch track during the operationperiod of the first key, one character candidate associated with thefirst key is selectable as the currently selected character in responseto one or more operations based on the first key during the operationperiod of the first key, and the currently selected character is inputto the text area upon expiration of the operation period.
 6. Theelectronic device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first touch trackand the second touch track respectively comprise touch movements indifferent directions.
 7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 4,wherein a focus in the second graphical user interface componentoperable to represent the currently selected character moves from asecond character candidate to third character candidate, and movement ofthe focus reflects directions of the touch track comprised in the thirdoperation even if the touch track comprised in the third operation isseparated from the second graphical user interface component.
 8. Theelectronic device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first touch trackand the second touch track respectively comprise clockwise andcounterclockwise touch movements on the touch sensitive device, thesecond graphical user interface component comprises a prior characterand a post character posterior to the prior character in the secondarrangement, and the character input method further comprises:selecting, during presentation of the prior character as the currentlyselected character, the post character as the currently selectedcharacter in substitution for the prior character in response to thefirst touch track, wherein the selecting of the post character as thecurrently selected character by the first touch track is performed evenif the first touch track detectable by the touch sensitive device isseparated from an area representing the post character in the secondgraphical user interface component; and selecting, during presentationof the post character as the currently selected character, the priorcharacter as the currently selected character in substitution for thepost character in response to the second touch track, wherein theselecting of the prior character as the currently selected character bythe second touch track is performed even if the second touch trackdetectable by the touch sensitive device is separated from an arearepresenting the prior character in the second graphical user interfacecomponent.
 9. The electronic device as claimed in claim 2, wherein eachkey of the plurality of keys is operable to be toggled between a pressedstate and a released state, the plurality of keys are arranged as anelectronically displayable virtual keyboard, and the first key isswitchable between the pressed state and the released state and is nottransitioned to a specialized state beyond toggling of the first keybetween the pressed state and the released state in response to any orall of the first operation, the second operation, the third operation,the first instance and the second instance of the short press operationon the first key.
 10. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1,wherein the second operation comprises an operation the duration ofwhich is counted from the first operation.
 11. The electronic device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the second operation comprises a long presson the first key conforming to a second input pattern.
 12. Theelectronic device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first inputpattern represents a default input scheme of short press on the firstkey operable to select one character candidate associated with the firstkey as the currently selected character according to the firstarrangement, a duration of the short press is less than a predeterminedtime interval, the second input pattern represents an alternative inputscheme of long press on the first key operable to select one charactercandidate associated with the first key as the currently selectedcharacter, and a duration of the long press is greater than thepredetermined time interval.
 13. The electronic device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the sequence of character candidates associated withthe first key comprise at least three characters of letters or at leastthree characters of two letters and one digit.
 14. The electronic deviceas claimed in claim 1, wherein the second graphical user interfacecomponent comprises a menu.
 15. An electronic device, comprising: atouch sensitive device operable to detect one or more touch operationsbased on one or more keys of a virtual keyboard displayable by a displayfunction of the electronic device; a processor electronically connectedto the touch sensitive device and operable to present characterinformation on a display, and operable to detect operation of a key ofthe touch sensitive device according to a character input method, thecharacter input method comprising: displaying the virtual keyboardcomprising a plurality of keys through the display function, whereineach key of the plurality of keys is operable as a toggle key, twodifferent keys in the plurality of keys are respectively associated withdifferent sequences of character candidates, and a sequence of charactercandidates comprises optional characters arranged in a specificarrangement for character input to a text area; receiving a firstoperation on a first key among the plurality of keys of the virtualkeyboard, wherein the first operation initiates an operation period ofthe first key; wherein one character candidate associated with the firstkey is selectable as a currently selected character in response to oneor more operations based on the first key during the operation period ofthe first key, the operation period is extendable by one or moreoperations based on the first key, and the currently selected characteris input to the text area of the electronic device upon expiration ofthe operation period; and cycling a first sequence of charactercandidates associated with the first key according to a firstarrangement of characters in the first sequence of character candidatesto present a character candidate in the first sequence of charactercandidates as the currently selected character in response to each ofinstances of a short press on the first key conforming to a first inputpattern during the operation period of the first key, wherein thecycling comprises: presenting a first character in the first sequence ofcharacter candidates as the currently selected character according tothe first arrangement in response to a first instance of the short presson the first key in a condition that the first operation comprises thefirst instance of the short press conforming to the first input pattern;and presenting a first subsequent character in the first sequence ofcharacter candidates as the currently selected character according tothe first arrangement in response to a second instance of the shortpress on the first key conforming to the first input pattern after thefirst instance of the short press; and the character input methodfurther comprising: displaying a first graphical user interfacecomponent operable to present the first sequence of character candidatesassociated with the first key during the operation period, wherein thefirst graphical user interface component allows selection of a secondsubsequent character candidate in the first sequence of charactercandidates as the currently selected character according to a secondarrangement of character traversal different from the first arrangementin response to a third operation based on the first key conforming to asecond input pattern, and the first graphical user interface componentallows the third operation to terminate the operation period of thefirst key; allowing a third instance of the short press on the first keyto resume the cycling of the first sequence of character candidatesaccording to the first arrangement after displaying of the firstgraphical user interface component; and entering the currently selectedcharacter to the text area of the electronic device upon expiration ofthe operation period.
 16. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15,wherein the third operation based on the first key conforming to asecond input pattern comprises a touch operation, and the characterinput method further comprises: displaying a plurality of assistantkeys, wherein each assistant key of the plurality of assistant keys isassociated with a character candidate in the first sequence of charactercandidates associated with the first key in the first graphical userinterface component, and the third operation based on the first keyconforming to a second input pattern comprises a touch operation on asecond assistant key associated with a second subsequent charactercandidate; and entering the second subsequent character candidateassociated with the second assistant key to the text area of theelectronic device in a condition that the third operation comprises apress on the second assistant key.
 17. The electronic device as claimedin claim 15, wherein the third operation comprises a touch track basedon the first key detectable by the touch sensitive device of theelectronic device, and the touch track comprises a first touch track ora second touch track.
 18. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17,wherein the first touch track and the second touch track respectivelycomprise touch movements in different directions, a focus in the firstgraphical user interface component operable to represent the currentlyselected character moves from a second character candidate to a thirdcharacter candidate, and movement of the focus reflects directions ofthe touch track comprised in the third operation even if the touch trackcomprised in the third operation is separated from the first graphicaluser interface component.
 19. The electronic device as claimed in claim18, wherein the first touch track and the second touch trackrespectively comprise clockwise and counterclockwise touch movements onthe touch sensitive device, the first graphical user interface componentcomprises a prior character and a post character posterior to the priorcharacter in the second arrangement, and the character input methodfurther comprises: selecting, during presentation of the prior characteras the currently selected character, the post character as the currentlyselected character in substitution for the prior character in responseto the first touch track, wherein the selecting of the post character asthe currently selected character by the first touch track is performedeven if the first touch track detectable by the touch sensitive deviceis separated from an area representing the post character in the firstgraphical user interface component; and selecting, during presentationof the post character as the currently selected character, the priorcharacter as the currently selected character in substitution for thepost character in response to the second touch track, wherein theselecting of the prior character as the currently selected character bythe second touch track is performed even if the second touch trackdetectable by the touch sensitive device is separated from an arearepresenting the prior character in the first graphical user interfacecomponent.
 20. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein thecharacter input method further comprises: displaying the first graphicaluser interface component in response to a second operation based on thefirst key conforming to a third input pattern, wherein the secondoperation comprises an instance of a long press on the first key, andthe second operation comprises an operation the duration of which iscounted from the first operation.
 21. The electronic device as claimedin claim 20, wherein the first input pattern represents a default inputscheme of the short press on the first key operable to select onecharacter candidate associated with the first key as the currentlyselected character according to the first arrangement, a duration of theshort press is less than a predetermined time interval, the third inputpattern represents an alternative input scheme of the long press on thefirst key operable to select one character candidate associated with thefirst key as the currently selected character, and a duration of thelong press is greater than the predetermined time interval.
 22. Theelectronic device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the character inputmethod further comprises: associating the first key with a secondsequence of character candidates to alter an arrangement of presentingcharacter candidates associated with the first key in response to afourth operation based on the first key conforming to the third inputpattern before expiration of the operation period of the first key. 23.The electronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the characterinput method further comprises: displaying by the electronic device asecond graphical user interface component operable to present the firstsequence of character candidates associated with the first key, whereinthe presented first sequence of character candidates is arranged in thefirst arrangement in the second graphical user interface component alonga specific direction; and displaying the first graphical user interfacecomponent operable to present the first sequence of character candidatesassociated with the first key in response to a second operation based onthe first key conforming to a third input pattern before expiration ofthe operation period, wherein character candidates in the first sequenceof character candidates are arranged in a third arrangement in the firstgraphical user interface component along the specific direction, and atleast two characters in the first sequence of character candidatesassociated with the first key in the first arrangement are reversed inthe third arrangement.
 24. The electronic device as claimed in claim 15,wherein the first sequence of character candidates associated with thefirst key comprises at least three characters of letters or at leastthree characters of two letters and one digit.
 25. The electronic deviceas claimed in claim 15, wherein each key of the plurality of keys isoperable to be toggled between a pressed state and a released state, theplurality of keys are arranged as an electronically displayable virtualkeyboard, and the first key is switchable between the pressed state andthe released state and is not transitioned to a specialized state beyondtoggling of the first key between the pressed state and the releasedstate in response to any or all of the first operation, the thirdoperation, the first instance of the short press, the second instance ofthe short press, and the third instance of the short press.
 26. Theelectronic device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first graphicaluser interface component comprises a menu.
 27. An electronic device,comprising: a touch sensitive device operable to detect one or moretouch operations based on one or more keys of a virtual keyboarddisplayable by a display function of the electronic device; a processorelectronically connected to the touch sensitive device and operable topresent character information on a display, and operable to detectoperation of a key of the touch sensitive device according to acharacter input method, the character input method comprising:displaying the virtual keyboard comprising a plurality of keys throughthe display function, wherein each key of the plurality of keys isoperable as a toggle key, two different keys in the plurality of keysare respectively associated with different sequences of charactercandidates, and a sequence of character candidates comprises optionalcharacters arranged in a specific arrangement for character input to atext area; receiving a first operation on a first key among theplurality of keys of the virtual keyboard; wherein one charactercandidate associated with the first key is selectable as a currentlyselected character in response to one or more operations based on thefirst key during an operation period of the first key, the operationperiod is extendable by one or more operations based on the first key,the currently selected character is input to the text area of theelectronic device upon expiration of the operation period, and the firstkey is associated with a first sequence of character candidates;presenting a first character in the first sequence of charactercandidates as the currently selected character according to a firstarrangement of characters in the first sequence of character candidatesin response to a first instance of a short press on the first key in acondition that the first operation comprises the first instance of theshort press; displaying a first graphical user interface componentoperable to present the first sequence of character candidatesassociated with the first key during the operation period, wherein thefirst graphical user interface component comprises a focus operable toindicate the currently selected character; receiving and classifying atouch movement in a two-dimensional domain detectable by the touchsensitive device of the electronic device into an operation of a forwarddirection or an operation of a backward direction of the first graphicaluser interface component according to a direction of the touch movementdetectable by the touch sensitive device during the operation period;wherein the first graphical user interface component allows a forwardmovement of the focus in the first sequence of character candidates inresponse to the operation of the forward direction and a backwardmovement of the focus in the first sequence of character candidates inresponse to the operation of the backward direction; wherein the firstsequence of character candidates comprises a first optional character, asecond optional character, and a third optional character arranged inorder, in a condition that the focus indicates the second optionalcharacter as the currently selected character, in the forward movementthe focus moves from the second optional character to the third optionalcharacter to indicate the third optional character as the currentlyselected character in substitution for the second optional character,and in the backward movement the focus moves from the second optionalcharacter to the first optional character to indicate the first optionalcharacter as the currently selected character in substitution for thesecond optional character; and entering the currently selected characterto the text area of the electronic device upon expiration of theoperation period.
 28. The electronic device as claimed in claim 27,wherein the first graphical user interface component allows the forwardmovement and the backward movement of the focus even if the touchmovement is separated from the first graphical user interface component.29. The electronic device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the directionof the touch movement comprises a clockwise direction or acounterclockwise direction.
 30. The electronic device as claimed inclaim 27, wherein the first graphical user interface component isdisplayed in response to an instance of a long press on the first keyduring the operation period.
 31. The electronic device as claimed inclaim 30, wherein the short press on the first key represents a defaultinput scheme operable to select one character candidate associated withthe first key as the currently selected character according to the firstarrangement, a duration of the short press is less than a predeterminedtime interval, the long press on the first key represents an alternativeinput scheme operable to select one character candidate associated withthe first key as the currently selected character, and a duration of thelong press is greater than the predetermined time interval.
 32. Theelectronic device as claimed in claim 30, wherein the character inputmethod further comprises: associating the first key with a secondsequence of character candidates to alter an arrangement of presentingcharacter candidates associated with the first key in response to theinstance of a long press based on the first key before expiration of theoperation period of the first key.
 33. The electronic device as claimedin claim 27, wherein the character input method further comprises:displaying a second graphical user interface component operable topresent the first sequence of character candidates, wherein thepresented first sequence of character candidates is arranged in thefirst arrangement in the second graphical user interface component alonga specific direction; and displaying the first graphical user interfacecomponent operable to present the first sequence of character candidatesassociated with the first key in response to an instance of a long presson the first key before expiration of the operation period, whereincharacter candidates in the first sequence of character candidates arearranged in a second arrangement in the first graphical user interfacecomponent along the specific direction, and at least two characters inthe first sequence of character candidates associated with the first keyin the first arrangement are reversed in the second arrangement.
 34. Theelectronic device as claimed in claim 27, wherein each key of theplurality of keys is operable to be toggled between a pressed state anda released state, the plurality of keys are arranged as anelectronically displayable virtual keyboard, and the first key isswitchable between the pressed state and the released state and is nottransitioned to a specialized state beyond toggling of the first keybetween the pressed state and the released state in response to any orall of the instance of the short press and the touch movement.
 35. Theelectronic device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the first graphicaluser interface component comprises a menu.
 36. The electronic device asclaimed in claim 35, wherein character candidates of the first sequenceare arranged linearly in the menu or scattered in a two-dimensionallayout in an area of the menu.
 37. The electronic device as claimed inclaim 35, wherein the menu has at least one character candidate of thefirst sequence in each of four corners of the menu.